Journeying over 100 miles to and back from Norfolk on our quest to find a suitable house to purchase, meant that on our way back home we needed to find a decent place to have dinner. Just south of the Norwich mayhem along the A140 Ipswich road, you will spy on your left The Countryman Restaurant, just before the village of Tasburgh.

This Grade II listed establishment, dating back to the 1600’s, probably was a 17th century coaching inn, offering food, accommodation and a change of horses for the stage coach. Some of the ambience and interior look that those passengers experienced on entering this old inn survives to this day, even after many updates over the decades. This ancient inn and the modern excellent food and service, is something that all Americans crave for, when visiting our shores.

We were shown to a table by a local lass, who asked what drinks we wanted whilst perusing the menu. The menu itself is quite extensive and will satisfy anybody and our first thoughts were that maybe the menu was too large to offer a high-class experience. How wrong we were and rest assured you will not be disappointed whatever you order from it.

Speaking for myself, I have traveled all over the world and eaten in some excellent restaurants, some of which had Michelin stars and whenever possible I have ordered Whitebait as a starter and a mixed grill, because I like my meat. With no hesitation I can unequivocally say that both the whitebait and the mixed grill are the best I have ever had.

Ordering the mixed grill or indeed anything from the ‘Steak & Ribs’ section, you will be offered a chance to personally cook your meat yourself, just as you like it. This is accomplished by the use individual table ‘Lava Rocks’ (1 per person) – I strongly advise that you take this option (no extra charge). On my lava rock was the 5-ounce steak (the biggest and juiciest 5 ounce I have ever seen), a large thick fat free pork chop and a thick gammon steak. The fries, side salad and pork sausage were delivered separately on a dinner plate. Thus you sliced & cooked each piece of meat to your liking with the supplied, very sharp, steak knife.

All portions are huge, perhaps too huge and that is the only slightly negative comment that any of us mentioned. Rarely to I not eat every scrap of food on my plate, but this time, sorry that I was to do that, I just couldn’t manage to eat all of the lovely chips.

In summary, if Michelin gave stars to such establishments, then The Countryman deserves at least two of them, as the experience was for us the best thing we did all day. Plus at a price that would not break the bank - £17-95 for the best mixed grill I have ever was value for money par excellence. In a London restaurant for instance £35 per plate of inferior thin pieces of fatty meat is what I have paid in the past.

My advice is to visit The Countryman, even if you have to travel many miles to get there, for it is one of England’s finest establishments and a little known gem.

Our deepest regret is that our present home is just too far away for us to visit again, However, it’s location has now become one of the factors to consider in our new home search.

New Year's Eve 2017! What a wonderful evening. There was a huge choice on the set menu and the staff were happy to discuss particular requirements. We were delighted with our meals...very generous portion size and wonderfully cooked. The braised beef was soooo tender and tasty. As the evening progressed we were happily entertained by the kareoke and a finger buffet until the celebrations at midnight.Thank you to everyone - I'm hoping the braised beef is on your regular menu...

Thank you to all staff who were courteous and helpful. The meal for sixteen of us was served in good time and nothing was too much trouble. Portions were good and enjoyed by all, will definitely be booking again when family visit.

Party of 8 went there for Sunday Lunch, food was hot and generous portions, had starter main and sweet all excellent, I had Sunday Roast Turkey and the rest had Beef, they also do Scampi, Stake & Ale Pies, Lasange etc, all home cooked. Not a carvery, but plated food with like I said generous portions of meat all cooked perfectly. We had sweets which were all great, I had a Treacle pudding, yum!